The Spirits Up Above

by Steve Turre

Overview

Trombonist Steve Turre pays tribute to his former employer, the remarkable multi-reedist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, on this sincere effort. Turre and an all-star group perform nine of Kirk's songs plus the trombonist's "One for Kirk." But although the music is certainly well played, one misses Rahsaan's miraculous innovations. It was logical getting James Carter for the date since Carter, like Kirk, can play any reed instrument in any style. But surprisingly Carter is mostly pretty restrained during the project, as if he is going out of his way not to sound like Rahsaan. His usual high-energy multi-style improvisations are replaced by a more melodic and less colorful approach. Carter, Turre, altoist Vincent Herring and pianist Mulgrew Miller all have their spots, with flutist Dave Valentin guesting on a medley of "Serenade to a Cuckoo" and "Bright Moments." But the craziness and wide-ranging approach of Rahsaan's performances are missing on this rather conventional effort. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	10/12/2004
Label:	Highnote Records / Half Note Records
UPC:	0632375713027
Rank:	136379

Tracks

1. Three for the Festival
2. One for Kirk
3. Medley: Serenade to a Cuckoo/Bright Moments
4. Stepping Into Beauty
5. The Spirits up Above
6. Hand Full of Five
7. E.D.
8. Dorthaan's Walk
9. Volunteered Slavery

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Steve Turre   Primary Artist,Choir/Chorus,Trombone
Vincent Herring   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Sax (Soprano),Sax (Alto)
Buster Williams   Primary Artist,Double Bass,Bass
Winard Harper   Primary Artist,Drums
Andromeda Turre   Primary Artist,Choir/Chorus
Mulgrew Miller   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Piano
Dave Valentin   Guest Artist,Flute
James Carter   Sax (Tenor),Guest Artist,Flute
Michael Hill   Choir/Chorus
Akua Dixon   Choir/Chorus
Joe Dixon   Choir/Chorus

Technical Credits

Rudy Van Gelder   Audio Engineer,Mixing,Engineer,Mastering
Brian Bacchus   Audio Production,Producer
Ted Panken   Liner Notes
Joe Fields   Executive Producer
Gary Firstenberg   Photography
Keiji Obata   Design
Maureen Sickler   Assistant
Rahsaan Roland Kirk   Composer